[granadablanca]

hi guys,

just noticed a very strong (raw) gasoline smell when starting my car for the first time today. i only had to back the car up just a foot, so as soon as i stepped out, the smell hit me. it's about 60 degrees out, so it's not particularly cold. i sniffed around, and the smell definitely smelled strongest by the exhaust pipes.

is this normal? i don't normally get out 10 seconds after starting a car, so i may have just never noticed.

the car is a bone stock 330i, fully equipped, AT, and out of warranty (60K miles). it's had a handful of issues, but none related to fuel yet. although i do sometimes get a very hard shudder at idle/stoplights. not a constant rough idle shudder, but a straight-up "was that an earthquake?" shudder. never any CELs or codes though. dunno if that's fuel related.

anyone have any insight? i don't know of any good independent shops around here yet, and would rather not do the whole dealer thing if it can be avoided.

thanks,
dave

[ceb]

Did the smell go away shortly thereafter?

[granadablanca]

hmm, i actually don't technically know yet, i'll check next time i drive it.

i did just move it back (again, just a few feet, so it was only running for a few seconds), and i smelled it just the same as the first time. but of course, that would still count as being cold.

i've never noticed it before, and i normally drive for more than a few seconds, so unless this is a totally brand-new issue as of today, it's safe to guess that the smell goes away when warm.

[ceb]

You just had a bit of unburned gasoline there.

[John 070]

That happened to me when the car wouldn't start, cranking and cranking. imho it's a sign of a problem....

[J02 335i]

Originally Posted by granadablanca

hi guys,

just noticed a very strong (raw) gasoline smell when starting my car for the first time today. i only had to back the car up just a foot, so as soon as i stepped out, the smell hit me. it's about 60 degrees out, so it's not particularly cold. i sniffed around, and the smell definitely smelled strongest by the exhaust pipes.

is this normal? i don't normally get out 10 seconds after starting a car, so i may have just never noticed.

the car is a bone stock 330i, fully equipped, AT, and out of warranty (60K miles). it's had a handful of issues, but none related to fuel yet. although i do sometimes get a very hard shudder at idle/stoplights. not a constant rough idle shudder, but a straight-up "was that an earthquake?" shudder. never any CELs or codes though. dunno if that's fuel related.

anyone have any insight? i don't know of any good independent shops around here yet, and would rather not do the whole dealer thing if it can be avoided.

thanks,
dave

Sounds like you may have a slight mis-fire, which would give you a un burnt fuel smell (I know these car should shut down the fuel to the mis-firing cylinder) I guess if the mis-fire is for a very short time you may still smell the fuel, as the ECU may not have time to shut the fuel off fast enough, this far fetched but just a thought.

[username604]

i wouldn't start the car to back it up a foot, unless you have to. Cold starts that last for a couple of seconds are no good for the car's engine.
In fact i would put it in neutral, and then slip my foot out the door, and slide the car back a foot. Then again, i'm nuts.

[granadablanca]

Originally Posted by davidkneiber

i wouldn't start the car to back it up a foot, unless you have to. Cold starts that last for a couple of seconds are no good for the car's engine.
In fact i would put it in neutral, and then slip my foot out the door, and slide the car back a foot. Then again, i'm nuts.

no, i'm with you. i'm nuts like that too, but i didn't have an option. hate starting the car briefly, i almost feel guilty getting the computer and everything up and running just to shut it down again. yes, i know, weird.

[granadablanca]

Originally Posted by John 070

That happened to me when the car wouldn't start, cranking and cranking. imho it's a sign of a problem....

John, can you share more detail on what happened with yours then? Presumably you got it fixed and whatnot? I'm afraid it's a problem as well, but I'm a certified car-hypochondriac.

[hipnotic]

something leaking maybe